Mission StatementThe central mission of the Purchasing Bureau is to provide the highest quality of goods and services needed by all City departments in a timely basis, and at the lowest possible price. We must maintain the highest ethical standards and follow good business practices. With the cooperation and assistance of all City departments, we trust that the Purchasing Bureau will provide useful municipal services.

Hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To conserve time and ensure you adequate attention, we urge you to make an appointment before coming to Purchasing. Routine “courtesy” visits are not encouraged as they can disrupt the daily workflow.

General Description of the Bureau of PurchasingFor businesses large and small, the Bureau of Purchasing serves as the City of Camden’s primary agent in the procurement of goods and services necessary to operate Camden’s government. The bureau, part of the Administration Department, manages the citywide purchasing system used by all city departments pursuant to state law and city ordinance.

Promote fairness, achieve quality, enhance performance, and to represent the most efficient use of public funds, while meeting the needs of city agencies. Purchasing is responsible for purchasing and/or contracting of equipment and/or supplies for the City of Camden.

Quote and bid preparation assistance is provided.

Doing Business with Camden City
The City of Camden Purchasing Bureau obtains price quote, use state contract vendors, bids, and/or RFP process. All City purchases require a purchase order. A purchase order is your assurance that you will be paid. If an individual calls you and attempts to place an order, you are cautioned to request an authorized purchase order be faxed and/or mailed to you and obtain the name and department of the individual. All invoices must cite the purchase order number.

Purchasing staff works very closely with Accounts Payable and Finance to insure that invoices are correct and paid promptly.

Billing and Payment
The purchase order number must appear on all invoices, shipping tags and all correspondence relevant to the order.

Payment is made after receipt of invoice and white copy of purchase order is signed and returned and acceptance of goods and/or services as specified on the purchasing order. Signed purchase order, along the invoice should be submitted to:

Sending your invoice and/or purchase order to any other department may delay payment. The City strives to pay all invoices within (30) days of receipt of invoice and acceptance of the order.

Questions regarding payment of invoices should be made to the Accounts Payable Office at (856) 757-7060. You will need to reference the purchase order number when calling with questions.

Tax
The City of Camden is exempt from most local and governmental taxes. Tax-exempt identification is located on all purchase orders. Certificates of Exemption may be obtained from the Division of Finance.

Business Registration CertificateTo do business with the City of Camden you must have a valid state issued Business Registration Certificate (BRC). A copy of the BRC must be on file with the City Department of Finance.

Gifts and GratuitiesThe City of Camden maintains a strict policy prohibiting the acceptance by its employees of gifts and/or gratuities from any supplier or potential suppliers.

Vehicle Sales, Equipment, Computer and Bike Sale
All sales and auctions are advertised in the South Jersey Courier Post Newspaper. The sales and auctions may be held at various locations. Please call for these directions.